JOURNAL SPORTS

You know by now Loyola was reclassified from Class 4A to 3A for this year, as the Flyers have departed their rivalries in District 1-4A and will face Monroe-area teams in District 1-3A.

You might not realize Loyola also is now competing in the same LHSAA playoff division as Calvary, Select Division III, after reaching the Select Division II quarterfinals in 2025.

The Flyers visit the Cavaliers Friday night. Loyola (3-1) is the highest ranked Shreveport-Bossier high school football team in the LHSAA’s all-important power rankings in that division, third, three slots ahead of the unbeaten Cavaliers, who played for the Select Division III state title last season.

Two more among the 19 local schools are in their divisions’ top 10s by the LHSAA power rankings system, which factors in game results, strength of schedule and to some degree, point differentials.

Unbeaten Green Oaks is fourth in Non-Select Division III. Another 4-0 team, Haughton, is ninth in Non-Select Division I.

The power rankings after the end of the regular season set the playoff brackets in each division.

Here are LHSAA power rankings for all 19 local teams, along with the top-ranked team in each division statewide:

NON-SELECT DIVISION I

1, Barbe, 15.00; 9, Haughton, 12.50; 18, Airline, 11.25; 21, Parkway, 10.63, 30, Benton, 8.75.

SELECT DIVISION I

1, Archbishop Rummel, 16.25; 13, Captain Shreve, 11.25; 17, Evangel, 10.00; 21, Byrd, 8.75; 23, Huntington, 8.13.

NON-SELECT DIVISION II

1, Neville, 16.38; 22, Bossier, 11,46; 36, Northwood, 8.50; 41, Woodlawn, 6.75.

SELECT DIVISION II

1, Lake Charles College Prep, 15.38; 11, Booker T. Washington, 11.75; 24, Southwood, 8.63.

NON-SELECT DIVISION III

1, Marksville, 16.00; 4, Green Oaks, 13.50

SELECT DIVISION III

1, Newman 15.50; 3, Loyola, 15.00; 6, Calvary, 12.88; 31, North Caddo, 7.33; 33, Magnolia School of Excellence, 7.25.

NON-SELECT DIVISION IV

1, North Iberville, 15.63; 42, Plain Dealing, 3.83.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

In the middle of this season, dreams are still alive for several local teams to make 2026 a year that will be remembered forever by players, coaches, and fans.

For this week’s Shreveport-Bossier Journal Coaches’ Roundtable question, local head coaches were asked to remember their best teams, as coaches or players.

STACY BALLEW, Byrd: (The Yellow Jackets’ longtime defensive coordinator on Mike Suggs’ staffs before replacing him, Ballew cited the best defense he’s coached) “It was our 2014 defense. In 2013, we were in the ‘Dome in the state finals. The following year, we had a bunch of those kids back and we were really, really good on defense.

“We ended up losing to West Monroe in the quarters in a real battle, 19-7. We had gotten one running back hurt and West Monroe had a great team. The group we had, there were some dudes on that defense. (Byrd allowed only 12 points per game in an unbeaten run to a 12-1 finish)

COY BROTHERTON, Parkway: “The most talented team I’ve coached was probably last year’s Parkway team.  It was a group of seniors that had been in the program a while and we were able to win 11 games, which was a great year, but …

“… I tell everyone the best TEAM (compared to who we had to play) was the 2014 group I had at Plain Dealing.  We only had 29 players on the team but went 9-3 that year and got beat in the quarters by West St. John. 

“That season was one of the best I’ve been part of with players like Logan Allen (QB), Keldrick Carper (played at Texas A&M) and Isaac Jacobs (WR who scored in 11 straight games). The players were awesome kids that worked so hard and made me a better person and coach.”

JUSTIN SCOGIN, Airline: “I’ve been a part of a few really good teams (as an assistant and now as the Vikings’ fifth-year head coach):

“2013 Parkway — we had a bunch of really good players led by QB Brandon Harris, Brodrick Jefferson, Dante Williams and many other great ones who got us to the ‘Dome for the state finals.

“2015 Parkway – QB Keondre Wudtee had a season for the ages. CJ Morgan and Robert McKnight were phenomenal.

“2018 Leesville – we were 13-1 after we got beat in the semifinals. Sophomore QB Jacob Mount was a beast along with Caleb and D’Ante Gallashaw, Duwon Tolbert along with some phenomenal OL/DL. 

“Every team at Airline has been special.”

JOHN SIMON, Huntington: “The best team I coached was at Southern Miss. It was not the most talented team, but the best TEAM that played together for their teammates. We went from 1-9, to competing for the conference championship in Year 3. It was a different era, when you had time building from within, with pride for the program.

“The best team I played on was the 2002 Tennessee Titans, in my rookie season. We started 1-4 under Jeff Fisher and with his leadership and a great group of players, we came back to winning the division and falling short one game from the Super Bowl.

“That team had amazing talent, a high football IQ, and the leadership from top down was off the charts.”

KELLY YANCEY, Magnolia: “The best team I played for was the 1987 Lovington (New Mexico) High School Wildcats, a 13-0 team that caught everybody by surprise. No one gave us a chance, a team that didn’t have an offensive lineman over 200 pounds.

“We were led by a suffocating defense that shut out several teams. Coaches on the staff all went on to be head coaches around the state, including my WR coach Brad McCoy, the father of future NFL quarterback Colt McCoy.

“This team believed we were a family, led by all state quarterback Robert Aereola and all state linebacker Jerry Dodd. They led us to back to back state championships.”

DENNY DURON, Evangel:  (A standout at Captain Shreve, his career zenith as a player was as the quarterback on Louisiana Tech’s 1973 unbeaten Division II national champion team, which is obviously the best team he’s played on).

(Left over from last week’s question about the best teams he’s faced) “In college the very best team we played against was Boise State (a 38-34 win in the 1973 playoff semifinal, decided by a 21-yard TD pass from Duron to future Pro Bowler Roger Carr with 12 seconds left). They were hard nosed and huge on defense and they were by far the most explosive offense we saw.

“The best team I’ve coached against is a toss up between John Curtis in 2018 and Ouachita Parish in 1999. We lost to that Curtis team, and barely slipped by OPHS. Both had so much talent and were so well coached.”

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The Bossier City and Shreveport Optimist Clubs came together for their 2026 Induction Ceremony to celebrate members stepping into new leadership roles, as well as those continuing to serve.

The clubs expressed appreciation for members who give their time to support youth in their communities and said they are looking forward to the next chapter.

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On September 28, 2026, Jovona Kay Young passed away after battling a lengthy illness.

Jovona is preceded in death by her parents, Crawford Spurlock and Mother Racheal Simpson. Brothers Johnny Thorton and Richard Throton.

Jovona known by most as Kay is survived by brothers Kenneth Stewart, Micheal Thorton, and David Thorton. Sisters Johnna Frisbie, Marlys Brock and Dawn Prince. Aunt Doris Pwell and husband Jim

She leaves behind her children Deanna Norman, Gearld Kinsey, Ben Kinsey, Caryn Nugent and husband Mike, Stacey Tinkham and husband Bill, Amy Wertman and husband Mike, Tonya Kinsey, and Bridgette Young.

Her grandchildren Lisa Mendez, Gearld Kinsey AKA Bubba, Johnathon Kinsey, Mary Kinsey, Trey Wallace, A1C Anna Wallce, Jovona Wallace, Kayleb Wertman and Jaxon Wertman.

There was nothing more important to Kay than her family. She most enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her many great grands.

Kay spent her life as a self-less caregiver. Both as a professional care giver to those less physically fortunate, as well as to anyone blessed enough to cross her door.

She was an avid arrow hunter and loved taking anyone that would go on a hunt with her. She made many memories with those she loved “hunting” She enjoyed the outdoors, especially places around water.

There will be a celebration of life for Jovona Kay Young at one of her favorite places, Earl G Williams Park 11425 LA-1 Oil City La Saturday Oct 3, 2026. At noon. There will be food and merriment to remember the happy loving person Kay was.

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Bobbie Jo Hall Roberts, 92, of Shreveport, Louisiana passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at her residence. Born December 26, 1933, in Cass County, Texas, Bobbie was the beloved daughter of O. L. Hall and Daisy Littlefield Hall, and Big Sister to her ‘baby brother’ Charles E. Hall.

Funeral services for Mrs. Roberts will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Frierson Baptist Church, 299 East St., Frierson, Louisiana. Rev. Mel Campbell to officiate. Visitation will begin an hour prior. Interment will follow immediately after, at Forest Park Cemetery, West.

Bobbie will be forever remembered as a loving daughter, big sister, caring friend, devoted wife, dedicated worker, cherished aunt, and God’s faithful servant.

Her life and legacy is one of devotion, dedication, and ministry. As a young child, Bobbie made the life-changing decision to follow Christ. At the age of 13, she began her life of ministry as the church pianist at Avondale Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. During her service at Avondale, her second life-changing decision was made. Bobbie met Edward Wayne Roberts who served as the music director of the church. On October 30, 1949, Bobbie and Wayne were married and began their 74 years of marriage and ministry.

After a move to Shreveport, Bobbie began her professional life as an insurance consultant. Filled with her love of Christ and music, she helped Wayne serve the Lord as choral leader as she served as church accompanist to adult and children’s choirs. She continued to serve as church accompanist as Wayne later served as pastor. During these years of ministry, Bobbie also taught Sunday school.

In her later years after her husband passed, Bobbie continued her ministry as a faithful church and choir member at Frierson Baptist Church.

Bobbie was proceeded in death by her husband, of 74 years, Edward Wayne Roberts, and her parents, O. L. and Daisy Hall.

Bobbie is survived by her brother, Charles Edward Hall and wife, Ann, of Logansport, La.; two nieces, Bobbie Lynn Hall Perkins and husband, Dobie, of Pineville, Louisiana and Kellie Ann Hall of Opelousas, La.; one great niece, Kayla Perkins of Pineville, Louisiana and one great nephew, Micah Perkins of Elmer, Louisiana.

Pallbearers are Bill Winston, Danny Roop, Harold Anderson, Ed Roper, Jonathan Wadkins, and Micah Perkins.

Honorary pallbearers are Denton ‘Dobie’ Perkins and Eric ‘Happy’ Tyler.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Freirson Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Angel Sitting Service, LLC, owned by Kathy Williams; the Nightingale Hospice of Bossier City, Louisiana and her neighbor, friend, and pastor Rev. Mel Campbell.

Bobbie’s life of devotion, dedication, and ministry serve as an example to us all.

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Phonetic: /trep·​i·​da·​tion/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension
trepidation about starting a new job

Travers sent the book to press with some trepidation, fearing that a children’s book might undermine her hard-won literary cachet.
—Caitlin Flanagan

a tremulous motion : tremor

Mary Jean Hogan Hutson
September 17, 1929 – September 28, 2026
Service: Friday, October 9, 2026, 1pm at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Jerry Wayne Johnson, Sr.
February 10, 1942 — September 28, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 11am at Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City.

Jovona Kay Young
? – September 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 12pm at Earl G. Williams Park, Oil City.

David Earl Meacham
September 9, 1949 — September 27, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Ivory Lee Adger
April 4, 1950 – September 26, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Stephanie Denise Faries
August 25, 1957 — September 26, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 12pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Betty Lou Crews Smith
April 10, 1933 — September 26, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Irma Christine Turner
March 29, 1935 – September 26, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Todd Alwyn Dalrymple
June 10, 1966 — September 25, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 4pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

James Alton Johnson
November 1, 1948 — September 25, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Bonnie June Milburn Pracht
June 30, 1933 — September 25, 2026
Service: Friday, October 15, 2026, 10am at Brookwood Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Patricia Phenor Stripling
September 12, 1962 – September 25, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Vernon Roy Bryant
December 22, 1957 — September 24, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

James Richard “Rick” Butler
? – September 24, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 1:30pm at River Park Church, Shreveport.

Beverly D. B. Davis
July 25, 1950 – September 24, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 12pm at Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Crystal D. Jones
January 2, 1976 — September 24, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Red Chute Baptist Church, Haughton.

Kenneth Lawrence “Ken” Lerchie
November 12, 1947 – September 24, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Tamara Dione White
April 4, 1973 — September 24, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am at Round Grove Memorial Gardens, Shreveport.

Charles Edward Sutton, Sr.
January 31, 1937 — September 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 1:30pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Robert James Waddles
October 4, 1946 – September 23, 2026
Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 11am at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Michael A. Hamilton
June 27, 1956 — September 22, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Benevolent Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Myrtis M. Jones
May 26, 1953 — September 22, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Carver Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport.

Donald Terrell
November 30, 1964 – September 22, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 1pm at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Karolyn May Parsons
January 26, 1948 — September 21, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10:30am at Airline Drive Church of Christ, Bossier City.

Timothy Allen “Timmy” Johnston
September 16, 1968 — September 20, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Cameron D’On Jackson
October 29, 1999 – September 19, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 1pm at Morning Star Baptist Church, Shreveport.

David McClain
July 23, 1971 – September 19, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Sunflower Baptist Church, Bossier City.

Nelva Rodney
February 2, 1939 – September 19, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 12pm at St. Peter Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Carl Dale Henry
April 16, 1964 — September 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

James David Shaw
January 4, 1950 – September 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 4pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Betty Lou Crews Smith
April 10, 1933 — September 12, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Jerry Grass
December 21, 1935 — August 27, 2026
Service: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 11:30am at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

Robert Ashley Jahnke
March 11, 1945 – August 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Christ United Methodist Church, Shreveport.

Helen Christine “Chris” Frazier Belk
October 1, 1953 — August 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 2pm at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Shreveport.

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